452 Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon. 



Obs. — This is the only species of Erythrospermum which 

 has yet been found in Ceylon, and, indeed, with the excep- 

 tion of a variety of E. ellipticum, which DeCandolle describes 

 from Java, is the only one which has been found to the east- 

 ward of the Mauritius and Bourbon, those Islands being the 

 focus of the genus. 



ORD. NAT. HOMALINE.E. 

 BLACKWELLIA, Commers. 



1. Blackwellia Ceylanica, Gardn. 



B. foliis petiolatis oblongo-ellipticis acuminatis basi acutis 

 crenato-dentatis glabris nitidis, spicis axillaribus longissimis 

 nutantibus, floribus subpentameris. 



Hab. — In forests of the Central Province, at an elevation of 

 about 3,000 feet. Flowers in April. 



Descr. — A tree 20 feet high. Leaves alternate, the acuminated 

 apex entire obtuse, penni venous, with the veins prominent on both 

 sides, and the intervenium finely reticulated, 4-4^ inches long, 1^-2 

 inches broad. Spikes 6-9 inches long, densely floriferous. Flowers 

 about 3 lines in diameter, of a pale greenish colour, arranged in 

 fascicles, shortly pedicellate. Calyx adherent, the limb with from 

 8-12 divisions in two series : those of the external series oblong, ob- 

 tuse, pubescent and ciliated, with an elevated horizontal brown gland 

 at their base inside : those of the internal series obovato- oblong, 

 obtuse, pubescent, ciliated, and longer than the external ones. Petals 

 none. Stamens equal in number with the inner segments of the 

 calyx, opposite to them, and adhering to their base : filaments 

 filiform, glabrous, erect ; anthers subglobose. Ovary 1 -celled, with 

 numerous ovules attached to parietal placentae, which latter are equal 

 in number with the styles. Styles 4-6, filiform, spreading. Fruit 

 unknown. 



